* *As Mare Apson’s Goal Lifts Akwa United Top of Group A
By Andrew Abah, Abuja
The ongoing Governor Douye Diri Pre-season Football Tournament in Yenagoa, capital city of Bayelsa State, on Wednesday produced another exciting moments in Group A, leading to a make or mar ties on the final group games scheduled for Friday, 16th.
Disappointed from their first game against Sunshine Stars of Akure where they lost by a lone goal, one of the host teams, Bayelsa United pulled out sterling performance to win two goals to one against hard-fighting and determined Abia Warriors.
Technical Adviser of the Prosperity Boys Ladan Bosso made several changes from the team that feature in the first group game, and the lads didn’t hesitate to announce their presence, winning a penalty as early as the third minute, whuch was beautifully converted by Bassey John.
With two minutes left, Ezekiel Ayodele took a bold run into the danger area, and after creating space for himself, shot a beautiful curve to the left corner beyond the reach of the goalkeeper to draw level in the first half.
Several scoring chances where created by both teams, especially from Abia Warriors as they battled hard to find another goal, but it was Bayelsa United’s winger, Rabiu Abdullahi who got the second goal with eight minutes left, leading to the first victory for the Ladan Bosso-tutored side.
The second game in Group A between Sunshine Stars of Akure against Akwa United saw the Owena Whales lost one goal to nil.
Sunshine Stars rued many scoring chances in the first half of the prosperity tournament at Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, however, succumbed to the only goal in the 54th minute.
A counterattack play came the way of Mare Apson, and what was needed was a simple tap into the net.
Akwa United Coach, Baba Ganaru said he was proud of his boys, however the team was still a work in progress, adding that the last game will also experience some changes for other players to prove their worth.
Kenedy Boboye, Coach of Sunshine Stars, expressed displeasure in his players for their inability to convert their chances .
Sunshine Stars will on Friday trade tackles with Abia Warriors while Bayelsa United will confront Akwa United in a battle for top spot tie.
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